HS Code for Minced Alaska Pollock

Minced Alaska Pollock is classified under HS code 0304.94. This classification falls within Chapter 3 of the Harmonized System, which covers fish and crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates. Heading 03.04 specifically pertains to fish fillets and other fish meat (whether or not minced), fresh, chilled, or frozen. The subheading 0304.94 is reserved for frozen fish meat of Alaska Pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) that has been separated from the bones, typically through a mechanical deboning process, resulting in a minced or comminuted texture. This code is used for bulk frozen minced fish blocks intended for further processing into products like fish sticks or surimi, provided the meat has not been mixed with other ingredients that would change its character to a prepared foodstuff.

Products Included

• Frozen minced Alaska Pollock blocks
• Mechanically deboned Alaska Pollock meat
• Frozen Pollock surimi base (unflavored and unshaped)
• Comminuted Alaska Pollock meat without additives

Common Misclassification

A common misclassification occurs between 0304.94 and 0304.75. While 0304.94 is for minced meat, 0304.75 is specifically for frozen fillets of Alaska Pollock. Another frequent error involves classification under 1604.20, which covers prepared or preserved fish. If the minced Pollock has been seasoned, cooked, or shaped into final products like imitation crab (surimi), it must be moved from Chapter 3 to Chapter 16. Importers must distinguish between raw minced meat (0304) and further processed fish preparations (1604).

FAQ

What is the HS code for minced Alaska Pollock?

The HS code for frozen minced Alaska Pollock is 0304.94.

Does 0304.94 include breaded fish sticks?

No, breaded fish sticks are considered prepared fish and are classified under HS code 1604.20, not 0304.94.